The anti-alcohol campaign in Punjab has received support from an unexpected quarter - actor Aamir Khan. Recently, Khan's production team was in Changal, one of the 72 village panchayats in the state to reject liquor vends, to document the story of its movement against alcoholism in a state known for its fondness for lal pari (a brand of country liquor).

Punjab is staggering under the dubious honour of being one of India's most alcoholhappy states. But over the last few years, volunteer groups have been running relentless campaigns against excessive drinking. The drives are run by multiple NGOs such as People for Transparency (PFT) and Scientific Awareness Forum (SAF). Their work has started showing great results in Punjab villages.

Panchayats in Punjab are vested with the right to impose local prohibition under the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act (see "Power act" ). Two years ago when they asserted this right, state excise authorities tried to quash the move.